YOUR editorial ‘Spread too thin’ (May 14) on the subject of multiple constituency system is really factual. As a matter of fact, this system is based on a fashion show of muscle power and in some cases based on a sense of fear or gamble. It had certain interesting instances in the past. ZAB contested on four seats, he lost against Mufti Mahmud (father of Maulana Fazlur Rahman) in 1970. In these elections, Imran Khan won other seats but lost in Lahore and some other instances. Such a trend may not be evident in any of the developed nations.

This electoral system is just a waste of time and resources. The winning candidate will leave one or two or even three seats, whereupon by-elections will be held. The entire setup of polling will be established, involving state expenditure, bitterness among the people of the constituency will be revived, voters will go to polling stations again, there may be law and order situation, some people may have to face agitation, even death. Only the statistics of the dead and wounded is released in the media.

Secondly, a market for horse-trading will be established and the winning candidates will quote their prices.

This system must be abolished. If not, it is suggested that the state should not bear the expenses on bye-election.

ZAFARUL HAQ MEMON Karachi